BIOSECURITY Queensland confirmed it has implemented a policy of producers presenting stock at approved clearing stations.
“This frees up resources for Biosecurity Queensland to monitor the compliance of approved cattle tick eradication programs and ensure producers are meeting their legislative obligations,” a spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said this did not generally apply to movements within a property made up of adjoining land.
“When stock is moved between properties of the same owner and which are not physically connected there are exemptions that may apply.
“For example, stock can be moved from an ‘at risk high’ property to an infected property, or an ‘at risk low’ property to an ‘at risk high’ or infected property.”
The reverse movements are not allowed, he said.
Last year, the Newman government suggested proposed changes to the biosecurity regulations, in particular the management of ticks, and public submissions were called.
Option one was to maintain the current provisions; option two was to create two biosecurity zones - infested and free - with movement restriction on livestock; and option three was to "rely on the general biosecurity obligation" where landholders would be responsible for not spreading ticks.
Although the department will not confirm which option has been taken, it appears it has fallen more to option three.
South Burnett landholders said they would like to see more regulation and everyone in the tick-free area wanted to see the line move north.
In November last year, AgForce told Queensland Country Life the organisation was working with the department to make sure the line was clarified and maintained, but confirmed those in the tick-free area would like to see the line move north.
The organisation did not see option three as being viable or palatable for industry, which would leave the issue with the producer, and did not take into account the impact it would have on people's businesses.
Producers bred cattle to meet market specifications, and the paper put forward did not take into account the business and impact it would have.
The Biosecurity Queensland spokesperson said the management, control and eradication of cattle ticks on a property were the responsibility of the stock property owner.
“Biosecurity Queensland has a role in assisting industry to meet their obligations and, where necessary, to take actions to ensure that a person complies with the legislation.”
The spokesperson said the department took a cooperative approach to ensure stock owners met their requirements.
“Biosecurity Queensland regularly works with stock owners to develop approved cattle tick eradication programs.”
